I’m excited to bring back narrator Naomi Karez to Inspy Romance. She’s just finished the second book in my Southern Hearts series and has begun work on the third! If you missed meeting Naomi, you can find that post here: https://www.inspyromance.com/meet-narrator-naomi-karez-audible-giveaway/
You know, by the time I finish writing, editing, editing, editing, (did I mention editing?), and then proofing my novels, I often get very tired of them. BUT when I listened to Naomi narrate Going Up South, the story became new for me. She did amazing work! I actually laughed and cried!
Welcome Naomi, and thank you for doing such a wonderful job with Going Up South! Around the last time you visited, Florida had endured Hurricane Irma where you lived. Can you give us an update on the recovery?
With so much of the Florida peninsula being affected and the southern islands being devastated by two back to back hurricanes, full recovery will take time. I’m sure you understand firsthand Janet, living in Mississippi that also took a hit years ago, the long road to recovery.
It does take years to recover.
So about Going Up South… What was your favorite part or character in the story and why?
I always love the southern charm in your books, getting to know Mississippi, the people, and culture. Not to mention the fun and different ways to say a few words. I also really enjoyed the portion of the book that is set in Honduras. It was full of color and emotion, I felt like I was there. From the landscape to the chickens and the people whose troubles and joy poured right through the letters on the page. I got to enjoy the journey through the eyes of both Cassie and Dylan.
I loved the Honduras part, too! I actually went to Guatemala on a mission trip while editing it, so I had a good bit of inspiration.
What was the most difficult part of narrating this story and why?
For me the hardest part might have been not holding onto a bias or idea of the characters that held a main lead in “Leaving Oxford,” the first book in The Southern Hearts Series. In book one I was seeing them in first person. Getting to know their past and a glimpse of who they perceive themselves to be. This obviously takes a shift when I am now seeing that same character appear in book 2 “Going Up South.” But this time it’s through the eyes of another. I had to make sure I was now relating to them accordingly, as the way they were viewed by let’s say Dylan Conner for example who has a limited and confrontational experience with Jess McCoy.
Ha, I do love to take a character that wasn’t particularly likable in one book and make them a hero! I guess because we all have a back story that leads us to think the way we do, and it’s good to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. I hope I can do that in real life.
What do you think the story offers spiritually?
Redemption. Redemption for the brokenhearted. That healing that is essential for so many of our emotional wounds. Redeeming the thoughts one has for a father and what that should look like. Redeeming a hope for those faced with disease and poverty. A friendship and trust redeemed. And most importantly eternal redemption, offered to the rich, the poor, the broken, the famous, the lost, and the hopeless through the endless love of the Great Redeemer!
Oh wow! If you found that, I give God the glory! I could never write a book without Him, nor do I want to!
Going Up South
No one told him he had a son.
Actor Dylan Conner is furious. Not only has he been left out of his child’s life, the baby boy has been given another man’s last name. Determined to be a better father than the sorry guy who’d left him and his mother, Dylan fights to ensure a significant place in his son’s life. Unfortunately, his bad-boy reputation overshadows his good intentions. Only one woman in this small town sees beyond his Hollywood image. And he’s falling for her. Too bad she’s the custody mediator.
After her scandalous divorce in the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, attorney Cassie Brooks has no intentions of practicing law again. The humiliating experience left a bitter taste for love, marriage, and her profession.
Now friends need Cassie’s help in a custody negotiation, and her role demands she remain objective. She never expected to be drawn to Dylan Conner—the actor who everyone warns is bad news. Not only is the mediation at stake, but so is her heart.
Audible available on Amazon and on iBooks.
Leave a comment for Naomi by March 5th 2018 to be included in a drawing for an Audible code! (void where prohibited.)
Wemble says
Hi Janet and Naomi, how exciting to bring a book to life in a whole new way. We listen to audiobooks as we drive to and from school each day- my boys just love listening to stories! I regularly buy the paper book as well, so that after they have listened to the story, they can read it over and over.
Blessings:)
Gina Johnson says
Hello. I love to listen to audio books while I am at work. Sometimes it’s hard when a really sad part happens and the tears start flowing. But it does make the day seem to go by faster.
Sherri G says
Don’t put me in for the Audible drawing because I don’t use Audible. I do listen to audiobooks through my library though. Naomi, I’d love to know how a narrator handles errors in a book. Do you correct it as you read it or read it as it is written? Janet, Going Up South sounds like a winner. I love the title, the cover and the description draws me in.
Renate says
Hi Janet and Naomi! Thanks for sharing your experiences. I used audio books in my classroom. Audio renditions of books often gave me a new insight into the story. Things I skimmed in my reading. No need to include me in the drawing, because watching grandkids leaves little time for listening to books. Most of my reading is done in the middle of the night. During the day, I read lots of children’s books to my granddaughters. Best wishes. Enjoy your weekend.
Priscila says
I read the first post again and then this one. Janet, thanks for sharing Naomi with us.
I enjoy reading about the narration process.
I also realized I have every Southern Hearts Series book, except Going Up South. For some reason I thought I had it, but I’ve skipped that one and have no idea when/how.
Kim hansen says
New author for me.
Valerie Comer says
Since heading my own stories down the audiobook road a couple of years ago, I’ve come to enjoy listening to them a lot more than I thought I would! I usually have an audiobook on the go on my daily walks – sometimes nonfiction but usually fiction. Sometimes my husband and I listen to nonfiction on long road trips. Makes for some fun discussions!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hi Wemble! That’s such a good idea! I’d like to have both, too!
Janet W. Ferguson says
LOL, you sound like me, Gina, with the tears and sometimes laughter!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Good question, Sherri! Thanks! Glad you like the cover!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hi Renate! Enjoy those babies! Thanks for saying hello!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hi Priscila! Well, you need this one, ha! Good luck on the drawing! Thank you :)
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hi Kim! So happy to meet you! I hope you enjoy my stories!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hi Valerie! That sounds fun! Love a road trip!
Lori Dykes says
I really enjoy audio books when I am traveling. It makes the time go by so much faster! I also listen when doing housework or other things. I understand why children want to be read to!! Have a great day!
Tammy Francis says
I love listening to audio books. I am gradually going back and listening to books that I originally read and enjoyed. I have discovered some new authors this way too. Your book sounds great. ?
Debora Wilder says
I love listening to audio books. A great narrator is key though. It sounds like Naomi fits that bill. Janet your book sounds wonderful. I’m going to have to go look for book 1 in the series. Thanks for the chance to win an audible code for Going Up South.
Naomi Karez says
Wemble, glad to hear you and your boys enjoy audiobooks, the oldest form of stories is being told one and I don’t believe it will ever be out of date. I agree about reading it also, getting two perspectives!
Naomi Karez says
What a great way to work Gina!!
Naomi Karez says
Great question Sherri! I would contact the author and ask how they would like to handle it, typically they want it read correctly not as written. They are rare to come across though.
Naomi Karez says
Hi Renate! What a blessing to have a grandparent reading lots of stories to their grandchildren! Thanks for stopping in!
Naomi Karez says
Priscila you’re in for a treat with Going Up South! Thanks for visiting the posts!
Naomi Karez says
Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping in. Janet’s stories are filled with a bit of everything. She does a great job bringing characters to life, by the end of the stories you really feel like you know them. Best of luck
Naomi Karez says
Valerie, road trip with a loved one and a good story, sounds fantastic!
Naomi Karez says
Lori, I completely agree with understanding why children want to be read to. Being told a story never grows old!
Naomi Karez says
Hi Tammy! So glad to hear you love audio books! Hope you get the chance to enjoy some or all of The Southern Hearts Series!
Naomi Karez says
Hi Debora! You’re very right about the importance of a good narration! I hope I portrayed this series well! Best of luck in the drawing!
Jackie Smith says
This book is the only one in the series that I don’t have….am waiting to get them all and then read them! I don’t do audible though so will download it on my Kindle soon! Keep up the great writing!
Alison says
I haven’t used audible before. Thank you for the chance to win so I can give it a try.
Becky Smith says
Hi Janet & Naomi! I have enjoyed every interview that you two have done! I know this audio is really good!
Naomi Karez says
Hi Jackie! This will be a great addition to the others in the series. I’m sure you will enjoy reading it!
Naomi Karez says
Alison, how exciting to be a new audible listener! Best of luck in the drawing!
Naomi Karez says
Becky , I truly appreciate you always stopping in and giving support! Thank you! So glad you have enjoyed the interviews!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hey, Becky! You are such a great supporter of Christian authors! Thanks!
Janet W. Ferguson says
You’re welcome, Alison! It’s super easy and fun!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Sweet! Thank you so much, Jackie! I hope you enjoy Dylan’s story!
Blessings
Janet W. Ferguson says
You are so kind, Debora! Naomi has a wonderful voice! I knew the first time I heard it on an audition!! I hope you enjoy the story!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Great idea, Tammy! You definitely notice different things listening than reading!
Janet W. Ferguson says
For sure, Lori! There’s nothing like listening to a great story!
Arletta says
It must be exciting to hear your stories come to life! Where did you find your narrator? Does your publisher introduce you to her?
Diana says
Sounds like an interesting story ! I haven’t tried audio books much. My son loves them. The idea of doing housework while listening is a good idea or maybe exercise.
Jenny S. says
I haven’t tried listening to books but would like to give it a try! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win!
Janet W. Ferguson says
You’re welcome! They are great in the car!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Great, Diana! Anything to get through housework and exercise, right?!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Narrators can try out for stories on Audible! I knew her voice was great when I heard it!
Brenda Murphree says
I love to listen to audio books while I’m working around the house or sewing or crocheting. Thanks for the giveaway.
MJSH says
Never tried Audible before but this book looks like a great one to start!
Trixi says
This book sounds really good! I don’t listen to audio books so no need to enter my name for this one. Janet, I’m pretty sure I have a couple of other books on my Kindle that I would like to move up on my TBR pile. Though it’s ever growing, lol!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hi Trixie! I hope you enjoy my stories! Let me know :)
Blessings
Janet W. Ferguson says
Yay! Good luck in the drawing!
Janet W. Ferguson says
Hi Brenda! Glad to see you here! Good luck :)
Natalya Lakhno says
I’m thankful for audio books…time goes faster while driving in traffic with a good book LOL!